Another odyssey. I went to Antwerp to pick up a big, very big box that contained an ARP 2600 synthesizer. Finally, after waiting for 8 months the synth arrived.
As I mentioned in a previous post, Jimi’s Odyssey, the ARP 2600 was the last synth on my bucket list I really wanted to have in my studio set-up. The ARP 2600 is a semi-modular analog subtractive audio synthesizer, designed by Dennis Colin for Alan R Pearlman, and manufactured by his company, ARP Instruments, Inc. in 1972. Unfortunately, the company was declared bankruptcy in May 1981. In 2015, some ARP instruments were revived by Korg. On January 10, 2020, Korg Inc. of Japan reissued a one-time-only limited production run of the ARP 2600 as the ARP 2600 FS, a faithful reproduction of the original 1972 gray version. With a little luck and a lot of patience I was able to buy one.
Jimi (and especially his shadow) seemed to be interested in the big flight case that came with the synth. Maybe he can use it to build a fortified castle. It looks like we both will have a lot of fun the next days…
Enjoy this beautiful day, my friends, wherever you are. Peace, love and understanding.
PS: I hate hate hate the new WP Block editor!
Hands on Bowie & Jimi 
Sounds like a really great find. Dad has no musicality so wishes you great success in all you create
Thank you so much! I’m really so happy I was able to buy this synth…
Thats a wonderful photo of Jimi! Love the way the light catches his fur.
Glad you liked the photograph! I was impressed by his big shadow on the floor…
He is a magnificent cat. And his shadow looks like his cat guardian from the spirit realm!
Well, I like to believe it’s Mr. Bowie’s spirit watching over me via Jimi… 😉
Aww. I didn’t think of that but you’re right! And at this time of year, too, when those in the spirit world can pop over to us to say hello …
Well, Halloween is just around the corner… 😉
Exactly! 👻
How scary… 🙂
So exciting!!!! (for both of you 😊)
Hi Christine. Oh yes, we are both very happy and we don’t need any treats for the moment… 😉
My guys are having a daily context over the big cardboard pallets from grocery delivery!
Jimi isn’t really ‘a box cat’. Mr. Bowie would have loved this giant flight case. I’m sure he would have moved in and used it as his new room…
dood !!! now THATZ a box…..happee for dad him getted his synth… and we think ewe shuld build a fortrezz outta de case… think how manee treetz it will hold…..we bet a million 🙂 ewe and dad bee safe and healthee 🙂 ♥♥♥
Thanks for this great idea, my friend. I’m going to use it for collecting and storing my chocolates treats… 🙂
Excellent acquisition. Congratulations. You and Jimi are going to have a lot of fun with it.
Thank you, Tim. I’m working with the ARP 2600 right now, but it’s a difficult machine and I will need some time to get used to it. But Jimi already fell asleep after 3 minutes… Guess he was tired of checking out that big flight case!
I’m sure I’m going to have a great time with this new synth…
Big case indeed. Maybe it’s the kind Jimi has been looking for. 🙂 Speaking of Korg, Andrea is looking at a Korg keyboard. She already has a Yamaha and a Roland, in addition to her baby grand.
The block editor, a bad, bad, very bad idea. You’ll, we’ll, have to take advantage of the workaround in the admin page as long as it exists. I don’t expect WP to provide an honest rationale why they are making the change.
Hi David. To my surprise, the Classic Block editor seems to be gone? I couldn’t find it any more so I had to use the new one. Maybe it needs some time to get used to it but right now I don’t like it at all…
Korg makes very high quality products. I have used a lot of Korg products over the years and was always happy about it.
Jimi preferred to join me in the studio and left the big flight case alone. I don’t think he’s a real ‘box cat’… 😉
It seems WP is still messing with the classic block. I still have it. Others don’t, like you, it has disappeared. Then, there’s a few who are wondering what is the brouhaha – they haven’t seen the block editor at all. The support forums have a ton of complaints about the block editor.
Well that is weird… Last week I could still see the Classic Block editor in the dashboard but now it’s gone. Why? People should be able to decide how they want to blog on WP…
I noticed a lot of people complaining in other posts about the new editor but I didn’t visit the support forums.
I wonder if Jimi likes Kraftwerk.
Well, I love Kraftwerk and saw them perform live two times. Kraftwerk was one of the reasons I started to play synthesizers decades ago. But I’m not sure if Jimi likes them…
A while back I went several months where I listened to nothing but Kraftwerk. A live show would have been great.
Have you watched their last ‘3-D’ Blu-ray/DVD? This Blu-ray looks and sounds just fantastic. My favourite album is Trans Europe Express.
Here’s a post from a few years ago about their live show in Antwerp.
https://hopedog.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8/
What a great concert that must have been, both aurally and visually. Computer World may be my favorite album but they have so many to choose from.
So true, their musical collection is so impressive and inspiring, one of my all time favourite bands.
Excellent! I bet you will have fun with that! (Agreed about block editor too!)
Thanks! I’m sure we’ll have a great time now winter is getting closer.
Maybe I was a little bit overreacting about the block editor? Maybe I need to give it some time? But I preferred the classic editor…
No… I hate it. LOL 🙂
Hahaha… well ok, I fully agree with you! 🙂
Fun for the Whole Family !
Oh yes! We are both going to have a great time…
Do you use plug-ins, try Classic Editor and it will go back to the way it was. Glad you got your synthesizer.
The lay out of the editor was completely different from the one I used last week, (when I still could see the Classic editor). Thanks for this info, I’m going to check it out.
I’m so happy I finally got this amazing synth. And Jimi can use the empty flight case…
Synthesizers are like a foreign language to me, but one thing is for sure that I think the shot of Jimi examining the new box, is a really outstanding photograph, especially for Jim’s reflection on the floor. “Bowie-ing” to your photographic talent. Enjoy what’s in the box.
Hi Cornelia. Synthesizer are very easy and simple, you just have to turn some knobs… 😉
I was very impressed by Jimi’s reflection on the floor. I didn’t noticed it while I took this shot with my iPhone. I’m hardly using my Canon camera these days because I’m spending more time in the studio. Sometimes the photographs you shoot by accident look far more better then the ones you’re spending a lot of time with in creating a perfect composition. But hey, I’m not a real photographer…
Hi, Herman. I agree with you with images by accident without composing. Certainly you have a great eye capturing your furry companions. I always admired your images. Have a great rest of the week enjoying your music.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Cornelia. I think I only have a great eye for cats… 😉
Oh Herman you ARE a “real photographer” – you take excellent photos – perfect lighting, positioning – I’ve always thought that. As for the new synth you’ll have it mastered in no time just as Jimi will love making that shipping box HIS – Teddy’s not much for boxes either but if I put a fleece blanket in the bottom of that one Teddy would turn into a “BOX BABY” in no time! As for WP – I agree that we should have a choice – some need a more complicated editor but for simple bloggers like me – it’s ridiculously labor-intensive! I think I’ll have some chocolate to calm me down – may I suggest the same for you??? 🙂 🙂
Hugs, Pam
Hi Pam. Thank you so much for your kind comment!
Maybe I can try it out, putting a fleece blanket inside the box. Mr. Bowie was a real ‘box cat’, he would loved this giant case…
I don’t like spending a lot of time with that difficult WP editor. I prefer having espressos instead… 😉
Well, maybe we’ll get used to it after a while?
Big boxes and cats go together, much like how you and music go together, Herman. I hope you are both having much fun playing with your new “toys.” Have a wonderful week!
Hi Mary! We are both very happy with our new toys and I’m sure we will have a wonderful week. Thank you so much for your kind comment!
Hope you’re having a wonderful week too!
I hate, hate, hate the new block editor too. Why did they fiddle with it at all, when it already worked perfectly?
Hi Jeniffer. I was thinking the same, why change something that is working good and everybody likes? Last week I could still use the classic editor but now it seems to be gone…
Same here!
Such a shame…
Love the gear, love the box. Jimi must be so happy. I have lost my black cat for likes but I always love your posts.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! Glad you always like my posts.
So sorry to read about your black cat.
Hooray for the ARP 2600 FS !! LOL, you lost me in the details but I got excited by your passion. Sounds pretty exclusive, congratulations Herman. Kick that bucket to the curb!
I haven’t update to the Block Editor even though it keeps asking me too. I still go through the old WP Administration Menu because I didn’t like the last upgrade either. Maybe try that way. Thanks for the heads up on that. 🥰K
Hi Kelly. Don’t worry about the details, it’s all about turning knobs… 😉
The Classic editor disappeared in my dashboard. It seems WP has hidden it somewhere deep in the menu. I don’t like the new one at all. But maybe I will get used to it after a while… In the meantime I’ll enjoy my new synth!
Glad you were able to acquire this special ARP! I think you and Jimi will enjoy the days to come!
All is well here. Things are much quieter now as the fires are under more control. Our area is safe.
Hi Lavina. So glad to read the situation is under control again… It must have been very scary and difficult times for you.
I’m so happy I was able to buy the ARP 2600 synth. There are only 1.000 build and they were all sold out from day 1 early January.
I always love your black and white photos! Congratulations on the long-awaited synthesizer. Jimi is going to take possession of the huge box… must have some great smells.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! Glad you like the photographs. I always preferred to work in B&W.
I am so with you on HATING the new block editor! I’m sticking with Classic as long as I can. One of the worst things about the new one is only being able to upload one photo at a time!
The Classic disappeared in my Dashboard. It’s somewhere hidden probably… I really don’t like the new one…
If you go to “All posts”, there might be an “add new” at the top with a drop-down arrow. The arrow will let you choose “block” or “classic”.
Thank you so much for this info! I will write my next post following your comment.
Boxes and pussycats. That’s a great one.
It’s always funny to see the reaction of a cat while having contact with a box…
Hooray! So glad you found this ‘Bucket List’ item and hope you enjoy using it. 🙂
Love Jimi’s shadow! 😀 And I’m sure he’ll have lots of fun with the giant box. 🙂
I also really dislike the new WP Block editor – so I am still using the old Classic Editor.
I’m so happy I was able to buy this synth. I was dreaming about it for decades… I’ve placed the giant box in Jimi’s bedroom but he’s not really interested anymore. Mr. Bowie would have loved this giant case.
The Classic editor disappeared on my screen but it’s out there, somewhere deep hidden by WP.
Worth the long wait. 😀
Aren’t cats so funny? I bet if you’d put the big box out of bounds Jimi would be all over it! 😀
I can tell you how to find the Classic Editor if you like – it isn’t hard – just like you said, hidden.
Cats keep surprising you all the time, they are such funny creatures… I’m so glad I got a good furry friend by my side.
I think I found the Classic editor (not sure). I’ll try it out next post.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Yes, wonderful to have such a character at your side. 😀
And good luck with the Classic Editor. 😀
Thank you! 🙂
It’s good that you got the piece of equipment you always wanted, and Jimi got a wonderful new box. Now you can have more good time with your music and he can explore the magic of……the box! I hope you and yours are well. We just roll around in chaos over here, wondering what could possibly come next. Stay safe and enjoy autumn.
I was dreaming and searching for years to buy this synth. I’m so happy I finally could buy a new one. Jimi already lost his interest for the box, he’s definitely not a “box cat” like Mr. Bowie. He prefers to keep me company in the studio or go out for a walk in the garden…
I’m always shocked and surprised to see what’s going on in your country, lately. Let’s hope things change next month, in a positive way…
We’re all ok, safe and still healthy although the Covid-19 situation is getting out of control, again. These are really strange times…
The changes that have happened in our country won’t be fixed by a change of administration, cos the problems run deep and wide. But we have to have a new administration, or everything will continue to spiral downward.
Many of our states are having rising virus numbers again too. It would help so much to follow the science, but our lack of leadership starts at the top.
You got a new way to make your music, and your music is one of your blessings. And Jimi. All good blessings to you. Be well. ❤️
Our Government just introduced new more strict rules, again. We still have a long way to go… But I try to look at it in a positive way, kinda. Just got to be very careful and keep my Dad (and myself) isolated from the outside world. We need a good working vaccine…
Thank you for tweeting my latest post. Always much appreciated!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, my friend!
States meet resistance here when they try to make the restrictions tighter. There are so many people that just don’t want to follow any common sense rules. Many places have numbers that are soaring again.
You’re always welcome for the tweets! Have a peaceful weekend, and stay safe, you and your dad. And have fun with Jimi.
The same thing is happening here: a lot of people stopped following the rules (and common sense), especially teenagers and students. So sad to see this happening…
So scary for anybody older, or with health issues, or just enough sense to not want to get this thing. Too many people are selfish, and this has shown that well.
Such a shame…
Hey. I play some keyboard myself, so I dig your lingo. I used to have a Korg. Now I just play a digital piano. What kind of music do you play? Personally, I am excited and surprised by the induction of Depeche Mode in this years hall of fame. Do you like DM?
Oh and I also really hate the new wordpress tool. 🙀
Yes, I really like Depeche Mode but Kraftwerk is my favourite electronic band.
I play electronic based music with a little touch of jazz and soul, kinda… But I also enjoy playing only piano. This helps me to relax…
Very cool. I also really like kraftwerk too. 👍🏻 I like to listen to them while im driving and imagine im on the autobahn. 😁 Piano playing is relaxing i agree.
Yes, I like to listen to ‘Autobahn’ too when I’m away in my car for a long ride on the highway… 🙂
I hate the new block editor as well…give me back classic, WP!!
You can still use the classic mode. Here’s the comment of another visitor: If you go to “All posts”, there might be an “add new” at the top with a drop-down arrow. The arrow will let you choose “block” or “classic”.
Thanks for the tip, Herman!
My pleasure, Lynn! I’m going to try it out next post…
Me, too! And yes! When I go to type a post I type one letter in the title and then save it. Then I go to “All Posts” and use classic from there. There was (is?) another way to get to classic . . . I did it before by clicking on everything, but I can’t find it again, so I just do the “All Posts” as you are saying. I am so glad I not the only one that hates it. Blocks are stupid!
I just don’t understand why WP changes something that was good and everybody liked. Let people decide what they want to use…
I was thinking they were bored and had a lot of time on their hands so they wanted to mess with us. The new editor is AWFUL!
Hahaha… yes, I can picture the scene!
It is a good luck indeed that you have got this very special synthesizer. Congratulations! It is not that often our dreams come true… I’ll bet you and Jimi celebrated the occasion.
The block editor makes everything so difficult! It may suit to people who write their blog posts in Word and then just copy and paste. I used to post some 30 pictures in my preferred sequence and then just type the story as I go from picture to picture. It was so easy to just type between the pictures. Now it is a nightmare.
Stay safe! Take a good care of yourself.
Thank you, Inese! I’m so happy I could find and buy such a rare synth. I’m going to have a good time in the studio.
It’s such a shame WP didn’t leave the Classic editor visible on the site. It looks like almost everybody was happy with it. It took me more time to write a simple and short post with the new one… I can imagine it was very difficult for your posts…
Yes, it takes so much time! It was my first post with the new editor. I don’t know if I want to write more… They think we have no life besides the blogs and can play with their editors all day.
It took me a long time too. Maybe we’ll have to get used to it? But next post I’m going to try to find the Classic editor somewhere deep in the menu…
Hope they still have it…
Me too… 🙂
That looks like a great piece of equipment. I’m glad you got what you want.
Thank you so much, Charles! I’m very happy I was able to buy one. There were only 1.000 units build and available for the whole world.
Hey Herman .. that’s a fancy piece of equipment! Love the photo of Jimi and his shadow .. I’m boring and happy and still using Classic. I don’t understand .. if it’s not broken why fix it!
Hi Julie. I’m happy and proud I could buy this synth because they only build 1000 of them… And it sounds great!
I didn’t saw Jimi’s shadow while I took this photograph, I noticed it afterwards and liked it a lot.
I’m going to try to find the Classic editor again. It should be somewhere hidden in the menu…
Je vous souhaite tous les deux de bien vous amuser (ensemble ou séparément) avec vos nouveaux joujoux
Merci bien! I was very lucky to get my hands on this rare synth. So happy to have one in my studio…
Hello my friend and Jimi too 😀 I’ve posted a message for you at your Facebook Page. It’s 7 slides that show how you can make your WP Posts using the Classic Editor. Hope it helps and let me know if I can help with any questions xK I’m missing you and Jimi!
Thank you so much, Kelly. I will check it out soon. Unfortunately, I won’t be writing new posts the next days or weeks. My Dad’s health is not good right now, due to dementia. I have to spend a lot of time with him and take care of him. It’s very hard and difficult to find professional help because the dramatic Covid-19 situation in Belgium.
Take care, my dear friend! Jimi sends his regards!
Oh nooo. This is terrible news Herman. I’m so sorry for your dad to have this. I hardly know a family that isn’t affected. Thank heavens you are there for him. My heart goes out to you both ❤️
Thank you so much for your kind comment and concern, Kelly!
I’ll probably write a post about the family situation in a few weeks.
P.S. I hate the new WordPress Block Editor too!
I always use the option to use the “Classic Editor.”
I liked things the way they were……
So true. I’m going to choose the option to use the “Classic Editor” too…
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